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Two-Day Getaway to Bayfield

Looking out at the Apostle Islands, one of the region’s most attractive small towns makes a great base for walking, biking and sailing as well as touring the plentiful fruit orchards on Wisconsin’s Lake Superior shore.

The marina in Bayfield

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Brownstone Trail

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Egg Toss Bakery Cafe

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Blue Vista Farm

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Old Rittenhouse Inn

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Day 1

Experience Bayfield on two wheels by renting bikes by the hour or day at Bayfield Bike Route; the 5-mile (round-trip) Brownstone Trail follows the glittering water of Lake Superior.

Meal you’ll remember

We love the posh rooms at the Old Rittenhouse Inn, but even travelers staying elsewhere should stop in for dinner. Splurge on the five-course gourmet meal, or order the Lake Superior chowder, smoked whitefish salad, steak Bercy and sinful flourless chocolate torte. (800) 779-2129; rittenhouseinn.com

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Big Top Chautauqua Mid-June through the second week of September, Chautauquas—or culture under the tent—fill one of the Midwest’s most beloved outdoor venues as they have since before WWI. Original productions, regional artists and national headliners, including The Beach Boys, Lyle Lovett and The Indigo Girls, pack the tent on Mt. Ashwabay. (888) 244-8368; bigtop.org